Latest Innovation in Affordable Travel Insurance for Cancer Patients

Travel insurance can be a costly and challenging aspect for individuals with current or previous illnesses looking to travel abroad . Karim Ullah , a 51 - year - old restaurateur from east Hertfordshire , was shocked to be quoted over 5,000 for travel insurance when planning a trip to America with his daughter . He had been diagnosed with Crohn 's disease at a young age and underwent a life - changing laparotomy surgery in 2021 . Despite feeling better and wanting to celebrate with a holiday , the high insurance costs posed a significant barrier.

Similarly , Jo Green , who was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer at 34 , faced difficulties obtaining travel insurance even after being deemed safe by doctors . She expressed frustration at being denied the opportunity to relax on a beach in a hot country due to exorbitant premiums . Jo highlighted the importance of holidays as essential rather than a luxury for individuals dealing with serious Health conditions , emphasizing the need for fair and reasonable insurance options.

Ani Naqvi , a cancer survivor from London , shared her struggles in finding affordable travel insurance even years after being cancer - free . Despite being in remission for a decade , Ani encountered steep quotes and prohibitive costs , especially when insurers focused on past medical events rather than her current health status . She advocated for a more nuanced approach in determining insurance quotes based on individual health and lifestyle factors , rather than outdated information.

To address these challenges , PLANETS , a charity supporting Cancer patients , collaborated with the Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA ) and the Association of British Insurers ( ABI ) to raise awareness and propose solutions . The FCA issued guidance to insurers to assist individuals with health issues seeking travel insurance , but more efforts are needed to ensure fair value and accessible coverage for cancer patients . Dr. Brian Stedman , a consultant interventional radiologist and co - founder of PLANETS , emphasized the importance of developing question sets to better assess and insure individuals with varying risk levels and medical histories.

In conclusion , the issue of expensive and unattainable travel insurance for individuals with health conditions is a pressing concern that requires industry - wide collaboration and innovative solutions . As the population ages and cancer survival rates improve , addressing these challenges becomes increasingly significant to ensure equitable access to travel opportunities for all.